EP4103486A1

EP4103486A1 - Container system and use thereof

Info

Publication number: EP4103486A1
Application number: EP21703740.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Herbert Wohlgenannt
Original assignee: Capartis AG
Current assignee: Capartis AG
Priority date: 2020-02-14
Filing date: 2021-02-12
Publication date: 2022-12-21
Also published as: EP3865420A1; JP2023515785A; WO2021160771A1; US20230227218A1; BR112022015160A2; MX2022010022A; CN115151489A

Abstract

The invention relates to a container system (1) comprising a container (3), a dispensing device (2) and a closure (4a). The container (3) has a longitudinal axis (L). The container (3) and the dispensing device (2) are interconnected and can be rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (L). The container (3) and the dispensing device (2) surround a common interior. The common interior (6) is delimited in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) by means of an end (3a) of the container and an end wall of the dispensing device (2). The dispensing device (2) has, in the region of the end wall, a removal opening (2a) arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), which removal opening extends in the peripheral direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (L). The closure (4a) is coupled to the container (3). The closure (4a) is arranged in the dispensing device (2) such that, when the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) are rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (L), the closure (4a) can be rotated relative to the removal opening (2a) about the longitudinal axis (L) and, according to the position of the closure, assumes a closed position, in which the closure (4a) closes the removal opening (2a), and an open position, in which the removal opening (2a) is completely open.

Description

CONTAINER SYSTEM AND USE OF THE SAME

description

The invention relates to a container system and a use thereof.

State of the art

The document WO2011 / 094685A2 discloses a container system for storing items packed in a single dose

Detergent compositions. A single dose detergent composition comprises, for example, a single dose of powder or liquid detergent contained in a sealed, flexible, soluble film pouch. Since single dose compositions and the flexible outer membrane are formulated to dissolve in water or otherwise decompose, the container system includes a removable lid to prevent water from entering the container. The removal of a single dose from this known container system is therefore relatively complex, because the lid has to be removed to open the container and then one hand has to be reached through the relatively narrow opening into the interior space to get a single dose out of the interior. Detergent compositions in a single dose are increasingly being marketed as so-called “liquid caps” or “gel caps”, in which the detergent is portioned in liquid or gel-like form in a capsule, the capsule preferably having a flexible outer membrane as the outer shell. Such portioned capsules are particularly dangerous for small children, since the detergent contains chemical substances in higher concentrations which, for example, can cause poisoning or eye injuries. Such portioned capsules also often have a handy size, bright colors and a soft, shiny packaging, and are therefore easily mistaken for sweets. The above-mentioned container system or also the container systems disclosed in the documents DE1641254U and US2214437A have the disadvantage that they cannot be securely closed after use, so that a single dose could easily be removed from the container, for example by a child, or even worse, that by tilting the container the entire contents of the single doses are emptied.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to design a more advantageous, easier to use and preferably also safer container system.

This object is achieved with a container system having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims 2 to 15 relate to further, advantageous embodiments. The object is further achieved with a use of the container system according to the features of claim 16. The dependent claim 17 relates to a further, advantageous use.

The object is achieved in particular with a container system comprising a container, a dispensing device and a closure, the Container has a longitudinal axis, wherein the container and the dispensing device are connected to one another and are mutually rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the container and the dispensing device enclose a common interior space, the interior space in the direction of the longitudinal axis over an end face of the container and an end wall of the Dispensing device is limited, wherein the dispensing device in the region of the end wall has a removal opening arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, which extends in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis, wherein the closure is coupled to the container, and wherein the closure is arranged in the dispensing device in such a way that at a mutual rotation of the container and dispensing device about the longitudinal axis, the closure is rotatable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the removal opening and, depending on its position, assumes a closed position in which the closure the removal opening v taps, and assumes an open position in which the removal opening is completely open.

The container system is suitable for keeping or storing objects, the objects or the removal opening being dimensioned to be mutually adapted in such a way that the objects can be removed from the interior via the removal opening. The objects are particularly advantageously dimensioned in such a way that they are arranged or stacked one after the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the interior of the container system, the interior of the container system having dimensions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is preferably equal to or slightly larger than the dimensions of the object, which results in the advantage that the objects in the interior are reliably arranged one after the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and moving the container system does not, or only slightly, confuses this arrangement. The container system can be in any desired Be stored position, wherein the container system for removing an object is advantageously erected in such a way or is already in such a position that the dispensing device is at the bottom and, due to the force of gravity, at least one object is in the dispensing device or due to is pushed into the dispensing device by the force of gravity, so that the object can be removed from the dispensing device after the removal opening has been opened.

The dispensing device advantageously comprises an end face in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which is designed as a standing face. The dispensing device advantageously stands continuously on this side of the stand, at least when it is not in use, so that the container, if it is on a preferably horizontal surface, extends preferably vertically upwards from the dispensing device, whereby the force of gravity acts on the objects located in the container. so that it is ensured that there is always an object to be removed in the dispensing device as long as at least one object is available in the interior. The container could be designed to be transparent and, for example, made of a plastic. The container could also be designed to be non-transparent.

The container system is suitable for holding a large number of possible objects, for example unpackaged foods such as biscuits and baked goods, or snack products such as potato chips or stacked chips made from potatoes or potato flakes, or confectionery, e.g. confectionery bar-like, whose shape is adapted to the container system and is preferably designed in a disc shape are, the outer diameter of which is preferably slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container of the container system provided for receiving the food. That The container system is also suitable for holding packaged objects, for example biscuits or baked goods, confectionery, detergent or dishwasher tabs, liquid or gel caps, individual ketchup packaging or individual mustard packaging, whereby preferably all the objects stored in the container system are designed identically, preferably disc-shaped. The container system according to the invention is particularly preferably suitable for storing individual doses of a detergent composition, these being particularly preferably designed as so-called “liquid caps” or “gel caps”.

The container of the container system is preferably designed in the shape of a hollow cylinder and thus preferably has a circular internal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The container can, however, be designed in a large number of other possible shapes and have, for example, a triangular, square, polygonal or oval internal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The inner cross-section is preferably adapted to the shape of the object to be stored in the container system, preferably in such a way that an individual object perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is essentially as large or slightly smaller as the inner cross-sectional area, in order to ensure that the objects within the container system in the direction of the longitudinal axis are well-ordered and arranged one after the other or lying one above the other. The height of the removal opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis is preferably adapted to the object to be removed such that there is preferably a single object in the area of the removal opening, which can be removed from the container system via the removal opening when the closure is open.

To open the removal opening, the container system is preferably held in both hands by holding the container with one hand and holding the dispensing device with the other hand, the container and dispensing device for opening and Closing the removal opening are mutually rotated about the longitudinal axis, so that the closure is removed from the removal opening by this turning so that the object to be removed, which is still in the dispensing device, is accessible from the outside through the removal opening and can be removed, the closure through a subsequent turning is turned back into a position in which it closes the removal opening.

The closure and the removal opening or the dispensing device are preferably designed to be mutually adapted in such a way that the entry of water into the interior of the container system is hindered or prevented. For example, grooves or seals can be provided in the dispensing device which, in combination with the closure, produce a sealing effect so that the removal opening is at least dust-tight and preferably waterproof or splash-proof in the closed state.

The container system particularly advantageously comprises a blocking device which prevents the container and dispensing device from rotating around their common longitudinal axis and thus prevents the removal opening from opening as long as the blocking device is locked, so that mutual rotation is only possible after the blocking device has been unlocked.

Advantageously, the dispensing device comprises the blocking device, the blocking device comprising a locking part movable radially to the longitudinal axis, the closure rotatable about the longitudinal axis moving along a movement path with respect to the output device, the locking part engaging in the movement path and a mutual rotation of the closure and prevents the dispensing device when the closure adopts the closed position with respect to the removal opening. The output device and the blocking device are particularly advantageously designed in one piece, and the output device comprising the blocking device thus consists of a single part. This refinement has the advantage that the output device including the blocking device can be manufactured particularly inexpensively. Such a dispensing device preferably consists of an elastic plastic.

The blocking device is advantageously designed as a so-called push-twist lock, in which pressure must be exerted at at least one point before the twist lock can be turned. The push-and-turn lock is preferably arranged in the dispensing device, so that when the dispensing device is held with the same hand, the blocking device can also be unlocked in order to then enable the container and the dispensing device to rotate relative to one another.

The blocking device designed as a push-turn lock preferably comprises an actuating part, the actuating part cooperating with the locking part in such a way that pressing the actuating part in the direction of the longitudinal axis causes the locking part to lift off with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the locking part is no longer in the path of movement of the closure engages, and thereby a mutual rotation of the closure and dispensing device is possible. The actuating part is preferably arranged on the outside of the dispensing device with respect to the longitudinal axis. The dispensing device particularly advantageously has a collar wall running in the circumferential direction, the actuating part being designed as a part of the collar wall. The blocking device is preferably designed in such a way that it cannot be unlocked or can only be unlocked with difficulty by a child's hand. This can be achieved, for example, in that the dispensing device has a push-twist lock, the dispensing device having a relatively large outer diameter with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the actuating part of the push-twist lock arranged on the outside of the dispensing device or part of the dispensing device forming the actuating part of the push-twist lock due to the The relatively large diameter of the dispensing device is extremely difficult to use for small hands, especially children's hands, in particular due to the relatively large distance between the outer wall sections, which are arranged oppositely with respect to the longitudinal axis and against which one hand preferably rests at the same time when the actuating part is pressed. In addition, it can prove to be advantageous to design the blocking device in such a way that a relatively large force is required to actuate the actuating part or to move the actuating part in the direction of the longitudinal axis, so that it is suitable for people with weaker strength, such as small children or the elderly Such a blocking device is extremely difficult to open.

The container system according to the invention can also be designed without a blocking device. This embodiment has the advantage that the objects located inside the container system are stored preferably dust-free and / or watertight, in particular splash-proof, and these objects can be removed from the container system in a very simple manner.

The container system according to the invention can thus be designed in a multitude of shapes, wherein in particular the container can be designed in a multitude of possible shapes depending on the geometric design of the objects to be received, the container is particularly preferably designed as a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the container is designed to be stackable in that it has, for example, starting from an end face, for example an outer wall that widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis or a widening inner cross-section, for example an outer wall that widens conically or curved, so that the empty containers can be stacked one inside the other and require little space when empty, stacked.

The container system according to the invention is preferably designed as a disposable packaging and is only intended for use until the original contents have been completely emptied, so that refilling is not provided. However, it can also prove to be advantageous to reuse and refill at least the output device of the container system and possibly also the container, so that at least parts and possibly the entire container system can be reused. The reusability of the output device results in the advantage that the output device can be designed in a more complex and expensive manner. In an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a mechanically actuatable blocking device which must first be opened before an object can be removed from the container system. In a further advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device comprises an electrically or electronically actuatable blocking device and / or an electrically or electronically actuatable closure configured as a slide for automatically opening and / or closing the removal opening. The output device can preferably be controlled wirelessly, for example via a remote control or a smartphone, in that the output device comprises, for example, a radio interface, for example Bluetooth, a battery, electronics and an electrically operated lock that locks or unlocks the output device and / or the The removal opening opens and / or closes. Such an output device can be programmed or used in a wide variety of ways, for example in such a way that the output device is unlocked and / or opened on command, e.g. after operating a remote control or a smartphone, or that the output device is unlocked and / or opened in a person-selective manner, for example when a person approaches the output device, whereby, for example, a smartphone interacts with the output device, detects the approach of a person, in particular a person authorized to open, and then at least the locking of the input device and possibly also the removal opening opens. The dispensing device could be unlocked and / or opened in a time-controlled manner, for example, by unlocking and / or opening the dispensing device only in predetermined time windows, or could be opened in a quantity-controlled manner, in that the dispensing device only dispenses a predetermined number per day, or only unlocks on certain days and / or is opened. The output device could also be opened in a location-controlled manner by unlocking and / or opening the output device, for example, only at predetermined locations, for example by interacting with the smartphone that is detecting a location signal. Such a container system can be used for a multitude of possibilities, for example for the controlled quantity dispensing of sweets or for the person-specific dispensing of medicaments. The container system according to the invention is therefore also particularly suitable for applications in health care.

Brief description of the drawings

The following detailed description discloses, by way of example, several embodiments of the present invention. The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiments show: 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a container system;

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 1;

3 is a perspective view from above of a dispenser;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the dispensing device according to FIG. 3 from below; FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a section through the dispensing device along the section line A-A according to FIG. 4;

Figure 6 is a side view of the dispenser;

7 is a 3-dimensional view of a container;

8 shows a detailed view of a longitudinal section through the container according to FIG. 7;

9 shows a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 1 in the closed state;

10 shows a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 1 in the completely opened state;

FIG. 11 shows a section of the dispensing device along the section line B-B according to FIG. 5, wherein in particular the push-turn lock can be seen in the idle state; FIG.

12 shows a section of the dispensing device along the section line B-B, wherein in particular the push-turn lock can be seen in the activated state;

13 shows a 3-dimensional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a container system;

14 shows a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 13;

15 shows a perspective view of the coupling device used in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 13;

16 shows a longitudinal section through the coupling device according to FIG. 15; 17 shows a side view of the container used in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 13;

18 shows a detailed view of a longitudinal section through the container according to FIG. 17;

19 shows a 3-dimensional view of a further embodiment of a container;

Figure 20 is a top plan view of a single dose detergent composition;

21 shows a section through a further exemplary embodiment of a

Dispensing device along section line C-C according to FIG. 22;

22 shows a section through the dispensing device according to FIG. 21 along the section line D-D;

23 shows a section through the dispensing device according to FIG. 22 along the section line E-E;

24 shows a front view of the removal opening of the dispensing device according to FIG. 22.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the drawings.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

Figures 1 to 12 show a first embodiment of a container system 1 and partial aspects of the same, with Figure 1 the container system 1 in three-dimensional view, Figures 2, 9 and 10 a detailed view of the lower portion of the container system 1, and Figures 3 to 6 different Show views of the dispensing device 2. FIG. 7 shows a three-dimensional view of the container 3 and FIG. 8 shows the lower end section of the container 3 in a longitudinal section 5 is evident. The container system 1 comprises a Container 3, a dispensing device 2 and a closure 4a, wherein the container system 1, and in particular the container 3, has a longitudinal axis L, and wherein the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 are connected to one another and are mutually rotatable about the longitudinal axis L. The container 3 and the dispensing device 2 enclose a common interior space 6, the common interior space 6 being delimited in the direction of the longitudinal axis L by an end face 3a of the container 3 and an end wall 2c of the dispensing device 2. In the area of the end wall 2c, the dispensing device 2 has a removal opening 2a which is arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis L and which extends in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L and has a removal opening width 2f in the circumferential direction, and a removal opening height 2g in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In the first exemplary embodiment shown, the closure 4a is coupled to the container 3 in such a way that the closure 4a forms part of the container 3, the container 3 and the closure 4a being formed in one piece or in one piece. The closure 4a could, however, also be attached to the container, for example by gluing. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the closure 4a projects in the longitudinal direction L over a connecting section 3c of the container 3. In the area of the end face facing the dispensing device 2, the container 3 has a connecting section 3c, for example configured as a recess running around the outer surface 3b of the container 3 in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L. The dispensing device 2 comprises three connecting sections 2b which are arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis L in the circumferential direction and project in the direction of the longitudinal axis L via a circumferential collar wall 2e. The connecting section 3c of the container 3 can be inserted into the connecting sections 2b of the dispensing device 2, so that the container 3 is connected to the dispensing device 2 and the container 3 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L with respect to the dispensing device 2. The closure 4a is arranged in the dispensing device 2 in such a way that when the container 3 and Dispensing device 2 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L of the closure 4a with respect to the removal opening 2a around the longitudinal axis L, and depending on its position assumes a closed position in which the closure 4a, as shown in Figures 1 and 9, the removal opening 2a from the inside closes, and assumes an open position in which the removal opening 2a, as shown in Figure 10, is completely open.

The container system 1 according to the invention can, starting from the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, be opened in a simple manner in that the dispensing device 2 is rotated to the left with respect to the container 3 in the direction of the direction of rotation indicator 2i, in the exemplary embodiment shown, which results in that the closure 4a, hereinafter also referred to as the slide, maintains its position, but the dispensing device 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L, so that the slide 4a is rotated within the dispensing device 2 and the removal opening 2a is thereby exposed. The container 3 is preferably held with one hand and the dispensing device 2 is held with the other hand, so that the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 can be rotated around the longitudinal axis L with the aid of the two hands, and thereby the slide 4a in the dispensing device 2 can be moved so that the removal opening 2a is either completely opened or completely closed by the slide 4a.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the dispensing device 2 has, in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, at the end opposite the end face 3a, a standing side 2d on which the container system 1 can stand. The container system 1 shown in FIG. 1 advantageously stands on a horizontally extending, flat surface, so that the longitudinal axis L extends in the vertical direction. This embodiment has the advantage that the inside of the Container 3 located objects are pulled down due to the acting gravity, so that in the interior 6 of the dispensing device 2 there is at least one object that could be removed from the interior 6 via an opened removal opening 2a.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device 2 comprises, as shown in detail in Figures 11 and 12, a locking device 5 designed as a push-turn lock with an actuating part 5a, and a locking part engaging in the groove 2n or in the movement path S of the lock 4a 5c, wherein the blocking device 5 in a basic position, as shown in Figure 11, prevents or blocks mutual rotation of container 3 and dispenser 2, or mutual rotation of dispenser 2 and closure 4a, wherein after actuation of the actuating part 5a, for example By pressing the actuating part 5a with the help of a finger in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the blocking is released by moving the locking part 5c radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis L and the container 3 or the closure 4a with respect to the dispensing device 2 in the circumferential direction device to the longitudinal axis L is rotatable. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the groove 2n and the movement path S of the closure 4a projected in the direction of the longitudinal axis L onto the lower side wall 2c run identically, which is why the movement path S is not shown separately in these figures.

In a further possible embodiment, the blocking device 5 could comprise a plurality of actuating parts 5a, for example two or three, which are arranged mutually spaced apart, for example mutually spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the output device 2. The blocking device 5 or the push-turn lock can be designed in such a way that it is sufficient to actuate one of the plurality of actuating parts 5a in order to unlock the push-turn lock. The push Rotary lock can, however, also be designed in such a way that all of the actuating parts 5a have to be actuated at the same time in order to unlock the push-turn lock. The output device 2 comprising a blocking device 5 or the push-turn lock thus has the advantage that the output device 2 cannot be opened unintentionally. The push-turn lock 5 is particularly advantageously designed as a child safety device so that children, in particular small children, cannot gain access to the objects 7 located in the container system 1. The push-and-turn lock 5 can be designed in a variety of ways as a child safety device, for example in that a greater force is required to press the actuating part 5a, or in that the output device 2 has an outer diameter of, for example, more than 10 cm, so that small children's hands can Output device 2 can not include and press the actuating part 5a at the same time.

The container system 1 shown in FIG. 1 can, as shown, stand over the dispensing device 2 on a horizontally extending, flat surface. The container system 1 could, however, also stand over the end face 3a of the container 3 on a horizontally extending, flat surface. The container system 1 could also be arranged lying on a surface, in that the longitudinal axis L would run essentially parallel to the flat surface, for example. It is therefore not absolutely necessary for the output device 2 to require a stand side 2d. The output device 2 could for example also be attached to a plane via the stand side 2d, for example by gluing, this plane preferably running horizontally. This embodiment has the advantage that one hand is sufficient to rotate the container 3 about the longitudinal axis L if the dispensing device 2 does not

Includes locking device, since the output device 2 is fixed and thus non-rotatably connected to the plane. The output device 2 could for example also on a vertical side via the stand side 2d extending plane be attached, for example by gluing, so that the longitudinal axis L of the container system 1 runs essentially horizontally, the removal opening is preferably oriented vertically downwards. This embodiment in turn has the advantage that one hand is sufficient to rotate the container 3 about the longitudinal axis L if the dispensing device 2 does not include a locking device 5. In an advantageous embodiment, the container system 1 could comprise a spring which is arranged in the interior 6 of the container 3, and is preferably arranged between the end face 3a and the next object 7 located in the interior 6 in order to access the objects located in the interior 6 7 to bring about a pretensioning force acting towards the dispensing device 2 in order to thereby move the objects 7 towards the dispensing device 2, in particular when the container system 1 runs horizontally.

The container 3 is designed in the shape of a wood cylinder and has a circular internal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The container 3 could be designed in a large number of possible shapes, with the boundary condition that the container 3 is connected to the dispensing device 2 so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis L. The rotatable connection of container 3 and dispensing device 2 can be configured in a variety of ways, so that the rotary connection shown in the figures is only to be regarded as an exemplary connection.

The container 3 could for example also have a polygonal inner and / or outer cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, for example a 3, 4, 5 or 6-cornered cross section, or for example an oval cross section.

Figures 3 to 6 show an exemplary embodiment of the dispensing device 2. The dispensing device 2 comprises a circumferential collar wall 2e, which forms a circular inner side 2p, this inner side 2p and the lower end wall 2c Limit the common interior space 6 in the output device 2. The dispensing device 2 preferably comprises a web 21 which runs above the removal opening 2a and delimits it in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, this web 21 also forming a guide function for the connecting section 3c of the container 3. The dispensing device 2 advantageously has a recessed groove 2n running in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L on the end wall 2c, the closure 4a being arranged running in the direction of the longitudinal axis L along a section within the groove 2n. This groove 2n extends within the lower end wall 2c in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L, preferably along the entire width 2f of the removal opening 2a, so that the slide 4a engages in this groove 2n when the removal opening 2a is closed. This groove 2n and the slide 4a running therein result in a number of advantages. The end face of the slide 4a, which is arranged in the groove 2n, is guided through the groove 2n in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L in a defined position. The slide 4a is more resistant to external forces, since the slide 4a is better held and supported in the groove 2n. The interlocking of slide 4a and groove 2n results in the further advantage that the removal opening 2a is more tightly closed in the closed state, preferably dust-tight, and particularly preferably also waterproof, at least splash-proof. Such a watertight or splash-proof closable removal opening 2a is particularly important if a detergent composition is stored in individual doses in the container system 1, the individual doses comprising a powdery, granular or liquid detergent that is encased by a sealed, flexible, water-soluble membrane. In a further possible embodiment, sealing elements, preferably elastic sealing elements, can also be arranged in the area of the removal opening 2a and / or the groove 2n in such a way that, in combination with the slide 4a, they form a tight, preferably watertight closure, so that the removal opening 2a can be tightly closed. In a further possible embodiment, the groove 2n could also be dispensed with, so that no groove 2n is let into the lower end wall 2c.

In an advantageous embodiment, the circumferential collar wall 2e, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, is designed in two parts, with an inner, preferably cylindrical inner side 2p and an outer collar wall 2r. This outer collar wall 2r can be designed in a multitude of shapes and, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, also have a significantly larger outer diameter than the container 3, for example in order to increase the stability of the container system 1.

Advantageously, but not absolutely necessary, the dispensing device 2 also comprises a blocking device 5, which prevents the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 from rotating in relation to one another, in particular when the closure 4a is in the closed position with respect to the removal opening 2a. The blocking device 5 is advantageously designed as a push-turn lock. FIGS. 11 and 12 show, in a section along the section line BB according to FIG. 5, such a push-and-turn fastener integrated in the dispensing device 2 in two different positions. The blocking device 5 comprises an actuating part 5a, which is part of the outer collar wall 2r, comprises an elastic connecting part 5b, and comprises a locking part 5c which, in the example shown, runs essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In the basic position shown in FIG. 11, a state of rest in which no force acting radially to the longitudinal axis L is exerted on the dispensing device 2 or on the actuating part 5a, the locking part 5c engages in the groove 2n, the slide 4a in FIG 11 is in a closed position, and the slide 4a after briefly rotating along its movement path S in the direction of the opening movement So pending on the locking part 5c, and can no longer be rotated about the longitudinal axis L. The slide 4a is thus blocked in its closed position, and the removal opening 2a is covered by the slide 4a and cannot be opened. The push-and-turn fastener 5 is now designed, for example, in such a way that pressing in the actuating part 5a with a force F 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L results in the locking part 5c being raised with respect to the longitudinal axis L in the direction F2 and thereby disengaging is removed with the groove 2n, so that the slide 4a can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L and the removal opening 2a can be opened and preferably completely opened. The push-turn fastener comprises at least one actuating part 5 a, which is preferably arranged on the outer surface of the dispensing device 2 with respect to the longitudinal axis L. After opening, the removal opening 2a can be closed again by rotating the slide 4a in the direction of the closing movement Ss until the removal opening 2a is completely closed and the locking part 5c again assumes the position shown in FIG.

The output device 2 preferably has an outer diameter of at least 6 cm, preferably 7-15 cm, and particularly preferably 8-10 cm perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, in order to make it difficult or impossible for small children in particular to grasp the output device 2 with one hand and thereby to exert a sufficient force to press the actuating part 5a with the required force Fl. In the preferred embodiment, the container system 1 according to the invention has the advantage that two steps, which have to be combined, are required to open the removal opening 2a. On the one hand, the actuating part 5a must be actuated in order to unlock the blocking device 5 or the push-and-turn lock, and on the other hand, the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 must be mutually rotated in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L at the same time.

This procedure makes it extremely difficult for children to understand the content of the To get to the container system. The container system 1 according to the invention therefore has a very high level of child safety. The container system 1 according to the invention is of course also suitable to make access to the container contents more difficult for other groups of people, for example people with dementia.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lower end wall 2c comprises an end wall part 2k inclined towards the removal opening 2a, in particular sloping down towards the removal opening 2a, which results in the advantage that an object to be removed from the interior 6 is advantageously deflected or displaced in the direction of the removal opening 2a so that the object can be removed particularly easily from the removal opening 2a. In a possible embodiment, the removal opening can extend in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L by an angle of up to 180 °, the removal opening preferably having an angle in the range of 70 ° to 100 ° in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L, and particularly preferably an angle in Has the range from 85 ° to 95 °.

FIGS. 13 to 18 show a second exemplary embodiment of a container system 1 which, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS connects with each other. As can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16, the coupling part 4 comprises the slide 4a. FIG. 17 shows a container 3 in which a plurality of individual doses 7 are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction L. The container 3 has a connection section 3c, shown enlarged in FIG. 18, which can be connected to the second connection section 4c of the coupling part 4. In addition, the first connecting section 4b of the coupling part 4 is also included connectable to the connecting section 2b of the dispensing device 2, so that the container system 1 configured in this way has an interior 6 which extends from the end face 3a of the container 3 to the lower end wall 2c of the dispensing device 2 (not shown).

FIG. 19 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a container 3 comprising a slide 4a, the slide 4a having an opening 4d which extends in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L and which is at least as wide as the removal opening width 2f.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a detergent composition in a single dose 7, which are also referred to as “liquid caps” or “gel caps”, and in which the detergent 7a, 7b is portioned in liquid or gel-like form in a capsule, the capsule being the outer shell preferably has a flexible outer membrane 7c. Preferably, the inside diameter of the container 3 is adapted to the outside diameter of the single dose 7 in such a way that the single doses 7, as shown in FIG of individual doses 7 are arranged one after the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. This arrangement and configuration has the advantage that the individual cans 7 located in the interior 6 can hardly or not at all tilt towards one another, the individual cans 7 being displaced towards the dispensing device 2 due to the force of gravity and / or any spring force that may be present, so that in each case at least one individual dose 7 comes to lie in the interior 6 of the dispensing device 2 in the area of the removal opening 2a, so that the individual dose 7 can be easily removed from the removal opening 2a after the slide 4a has been opened. Figures 21 to 24 show a further embodiment of an output device 2, which, in contrast to that in Figures 3, 4,

5, 11 and 12 has no groove 2n running around along the path of movement S, into which the shutter 4a configured as a slide could engage. The closure 4a, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L, can move along the movement path S, as shown in FIG. FIGS. 21 and 22 show the course of the movement path S of the rotatable closure 4a projected in the direction of the longitudinal axis L onto the lower end wall 2c. As can be seen from FIG. 24, the closure 4a preferably has a gap 4d with respect to the base 2c of the dispensing device 2, the gap 4d being so small in advantageous embodiments that the closure 4a and the base 2c do not or not at all when they are rotated relative to one another touch, so that a gap 4d with a width in the range of, for example, 1 to 2 mm is formed. In a further possible embodiment, however, the closure 4a could also touch the base 2c, so that the closure 4a is in contact with the base 2c during a rotation with respect to the dispensing device 2 along the movement path S and slides along it. In addition, an elastic sealing element, for example a sealing lip, could be arranged on the end section of the closure 4a facing the bottom 2c in order to thereby form a closure 4a which preferably seals the interior of the container system. As can be seen from FIGS. 22 and 23, the locking part 5c can be moved radially to the longitudinal axis L in the direction of movement V. The locking part 5c assumes a rest position or a closed position in FIGS. 22 and 23, in which the locking part 5c, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, engages in the movement path S so that, as can be seen from FIG. 22, mutual rotation is prevented by the closure 4a and the dispensing device 2 and only slightly until the closure 4a and the locking part 5c strike each other, so that a rotation or an opening movement of the closure 4a is not possible, and therefore, the discharge opening 2a cannot be opened. The blocking device 5 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is preferably of identical design, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. That is to say, the blocking device 5 is designed as a push-turn lock, comprising an actuating part 5a, the actuating part 5a, preferably via a connecting part 5b, interacting with the locking part 5c in such a way that the actuating part 5a can be pushed in or moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. a lifting of the locking part 5c with respect to the longitudinal axis L, so that the locking part 5c no longer engages in the movement path S, and a mutual rotation of the closure 4a and dispensing device 2 is possible. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 11, 12 and 22, the outside of the dispensing device 2 or the collar wall 2e is deformed in such a way that pressing in the actuating part 5a in the direction of the longitudinal axis L causes the locking part 5c to lift off with respect to the longitudinal axis L Connecting part 5b executes a corresponding movement, preferably a pivoting movement.

A further exemplary embodiment of a closure is indicated in FIG. 22, comprising an actuating part 5'a, a connecting part 5'b and the locking part 5c, the actuating part 5'a preferably opposite the locking part 5c on the outside of the dispensing device 2 with respect to the longitudinal axis L or on the collar wall 2e, preferably on the outer collar wall 2r, the actuating part 5'a being connected to the locking part 5c via a connecting part 5'b that preferably extends below the bottom 2c, so that the actuating part 5'a can be pressed in in the direction towards the longitudinal axis L a lifting of the locking part 5c with respect to the longitudinal axis L results. The output device 2 preferably comprises a single actuating part 5a, 5'a, but could also at least in a further embodiment two actuating parts 5a, 5'a, which both act on the locking part 5c.

The outside of the dispensing device 2 or the collar wall 2e is preferably designed to be resilient at least in the area of the actuating part 5a, 5'a in such a way that, as shown for example in FIGS Deformation moves towards the longitudinal axis L, and that the actuating part 5a automatically assumes the starting position shown in FIG. The required compressive force Fl, which is required to elastically deform the actuating part 5a towards the longitudinal axis L, can be determined, for example, by at least one of the following variables: the arrangement of the webs 2q, the mutual spacing of the webs 2q in the circumferential direction and the elasticity of the Outside of the dispensing device 2 or the collar wall 2e, 2r.

The container system 1 shown in FIGS. 21 to 24 comprises a coupling part 4 between the container 3 and the dispensing device. The coupling part 4 could, however, also be dispensed with in that the container 3 is connected directly to the dispensing device 2.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A container system (1) comprising a container (3), a dispensing device (2) and a closure (4a), the container (3) having a longitudinal axis (L), the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) are connected to one another and are mutually rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L), the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) enclosing a common interior space (6), the common interior space (6) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) an end face (3a) of the container and an end wall (2c) of the dispensing device (2) are delimited, the dispensing device (2) in the region of the end wall (2c) having a removal opening (2a) which is arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) and which extends in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the closure (4a) is coupled to the container (3), and wherein the closure (4a) is arranged in the dispensing device (2) in such a way that upon mutual rotation of the container ( 3) and output device (2) around the longitudinal axis (L) the closure (4a) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) with respect to the removal opening (2a) and, depending on its position, assumes a closed position in which the closure (4a) the removal opening (2a ) closes, and assumes an open position in which the removal opening (2a) is completely open.

2. Container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing device (2) comprises a blocking device (5) with a locking part (5c) movable radially to the longitudinal axis (L), that the closure (4a) which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) has a movement path (S), and that the locking part (5c) engages in the movement path (S) and prevents mutual rotation of the closure (4a) and dispensing device (2) when the The closure (4a) is in the closed position with respect to the removal opening (2a).

3. Container system according to claim 2, characterized in that the blocking device (5) is designed as a push-turn lock comprising an actuating part (5a), the actuating part (5a) cooperating with the locking part (5c) in such a way that an actuating part can be pressed in (5a) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) results in a lifting of the locking part (5c) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), so that the locking part (5c) no longer engages in the movement path (S), and thereby a mutual twisting of Closure (4a) and dispensing device (2) is possible.

4. Container system according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating part (5a) is arranged on the outside of the dispensing device (2) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).

5. Container system according to claim 4, characterized in that the dispensing device (2) has a collar wall (2e) extending in the circumferential direction, and that the actuating part (5a) is designed as part of the collar wall (2e).

6. Container system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the dispensing device (2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) has an outside diameter of at least 6 cm, preferably 7-15 cm, and particularly preferably 8-10 cm.

7. Container system according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the dispensing device (2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) at the opposite end with respect to the end face (3a) has a standing side (2d) on which the container system (1) can stand.

8. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the end wall (2c) a groove (2n) extending in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis (L) is embedded, and that the closure (4a) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) along a section is arranged within the groove (2n).

9. Container system according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking part (5c) of the blocking device (5) engages in the groove (2n).

10. Container system according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the closure (4a) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) with respect to the end wall (2c) is spaced, so that between the closure (4a) and the end wall (2c) Gap is formed.

11. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (3) and the dispensing device form a cylindrical, common interior space (6), the common interior space (6) in particular having a diameter in the range between 4 to 12 cm, and in particular has a diameter in the range between 6 to 8 cm.

12. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removal opening (2a) extend in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis (L) at an angle of up to 180 °, the removal opening (2a) preferably at an angle in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L in the range from 70 ° to 100 °, and particularly preferably has an angle in the range from 85 ° to 95 °.

13. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure (4a) is firmly connected to the container (3).

14. A container system according to claim 7, characterized in that the dispensing device (2) has a first connecting section (2b) at the end opposite the stand side (2d), and that the container (3) has a second end at the end opposite the end face (3a) Connecting section (3c) has that the closure (4a) protrudes in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) over the second connecting section (3c), and that the dispensing device (2) and the container (3) over the first and second connecting sections (2b, 3c) are releasably and mutually rotatably connected about the longitudinal axis (L).

15. A container system according to claim 7, characterized in that the dispensing device (2) has a first connecting section (2b) at the end opposite the stand side (2d), and that the container (3) has a second end at the end opposite the end face (3a) Connecting section (3c) has that a coupling part (4) is arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) between the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) and connects them to one another via the first and second connecting sections (2b, 3c) that the coupling part (4) comprises the closure (4a), and that the dispensing device (2) and the container (3) are mutually rotatably connected about the longitudinal axis (L) via the coupling part (4).

16. Use of a container system (1) according to one of the preceding claims for dispensing individual doses (7) of a detergent composition, a plurality of individual doses (7) being stacked one after the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) in the common interior space (6) by the container (3) is rotated around the longitudinal axis (L) relative to the dispensing device (2), so that the closure (4a) is rotated and thereby the removal opening (2a) is completely opened, so that a single dose is then removed from the removal opening (2a) , and that afterwards the container (3) again opposite the dispensing device (2) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (L) and the removal opening (2a) is thereby closed.

17. Use according to claim 16, characterized in that before the mutual rotation of the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) the radially movable to the longitudinal axis (L)

Locking part (5c) is raised with respect to the path of movement (S) of the closure (4a) so that the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) are then mutually rotatable in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis (L).